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She said: "It seems clear that there is very little specialist care in Northern Ireland for those with repeated miscarriages.

"Specialist tests and investigations should be carried out after three consecutive miscarriages (or earlier if one of them is a second trimester miscarriage) and I am informed that many women are referred to clinics or hospitals in England to have these done.

"That adds to the already high levels of distress and anxiety that so many of them feel already.

"We offer support and information to people in Northern Ireland who are affected by the loss of a baby or babies in pregnancy."

Erin Sharkey, 38, from Antrim , who suffered three miscarriages, said she was shocked by her own "uncaring and undignified" experience.

Erin Sharkey

Upset to be asked to sit in a general maternity waiting room while awaiting news of her lost pregnancies, the school teacher said she was also horrified by the lack of information.

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Ruth added: "As well as talking to women and men with personal experience of loss, we’ve worked with the Patient and Client Council on this subject, especially in regard to improving care.

"The key issues for women and men experiencing recurrent miscarriage are in many ways very similar across the UK: the feelings of loss and grief; the anxiety in pregnancy after loss; the fear that they will never have a baby to take home; and the sense of loneliness, that others don’t understand.

"I’m so pleased that the PHA is taking up this issue, listening to those affected by recurrent miscarriage and working to create a consistent and clear pathway across the HSC Trusts.

"We are ready to help in any way we can, especially in supporting staff information and training."

Commenting on its forthcoming consultation, a PHA spokesman said: "The purpose of this event is to involve women who have received care or treatment in relation to recurrent miscarriage in order to help us shape and improve future services.”

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